Getting the Message

Message Tee has died. The opinionated T-shirt's cause of death shocked close friends and family. "Message Tee just got old," doctors said.

Just a few years ago Tee seemed fresh, young and the life of the party. Most will remember him for his uncanny way with words. Whether political or personal, he had something to say.

Three years ago he inspired controversy with teen moms when Abercrombie & Fitch delivered one of Tee's more offensive remarks to the masses: "I had a nightmare I was brunette." The statement was later retracted, but Tee's opinions only seemed to gain popularity.

Celebrities from Julia Roberts to Britney Spears started keeping company with Tee. At times they even used him as a means to communicate with other celebrities. Eva Longoria buddied up with Tee in Beverly Hills one day while he shouted to the world, "I'll have your baby, Brad." Roberts took jabs at her now-husband's ex-wife by donning a Tee that said, "A Low Vera."

Stunts like these raised eyebrows and certainly gave Tee the attention he sought, but overkill fizzled the effect. The only celebrity willing to spend time with him in his waning days was Spears.

Tee's life may have been short, but it was definitely memorable. May Message Tee rest in peace.

XAZMIN GARZA/REVIEW-JOURNAL Contact fashion reporter Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0477.